When it comes to health, I love the science. You know I do. But sometimes I find myself wondering: are we so busy looking for PubMed citations that we’ve stopped listening to the most important research tool of all — our own body?
This question came up for me recently while watching debates about hot and cold therapy. You’ve probably seen the headlines: “Ice baths boost recovery,” “Saunas lower blood pressure,” “Cold plunges supercharge your mood.” And yes, there’s fascinating research behind both. But here’s the thing: do we really need a study to tell us whether standing under a cold waterfall makes us feel alive, or whether a sauna melts away the tension of a long week?
This is the question I explore in my latest article over on The Vital Vessel, my new Substack newsletter.
Substack is a free platform where I share in-depth reflections on health, nutrition, and the complex yet fascinating intersection between science and personal experience.
In the article, explore this tension between intuition and evidence. I walk through what the science actually says about the benefits of heat and cold exposure, from cardiovascular health and stress resilience to inflammation and metabolic balance. But I also share why, in my view, personal experience deserves just as much weight as any study.
Because here’s the truth: four people can try the exact same practice, and each will have a totally different response. For one, cold plunging might spark joy and energy. For another, it’s misery wrapped in goosebumps. Neither is wrong, and no research paper can override how you feel in the moment.
So this isn’t a call to throw science out the window. It’s a reminder that your body’s signals matter too. The real sweet spot lies in combining both: evidence to guide us, intuition to personalise it.
If that resonates, I’d love for you to read the full article – and even better, subscribe (free!) to The Vital Vessel so you’ll never miss future reflections like this. It’s my space for delving deeper into health, nutrition, and the science-meets-intuition conversations that often don’t get airtime elsewhere.
